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8 must haves for your car's emergency supply kit

By Staff, AccuWeather

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Always be prepared for any situation that might catch you off-guard. Keeping these supplies in your car will help you when the unexpected strikes.

It's important that you keep an emergency supply kit in your car. You never know when an emergency will happen, but you can plan for one ahead of time. Here are eight must-haves for your car's emergency supply kit.

Snowstorm Car Stranded

Men work to free a stranded car during a winter snowstorm in Atlantic City, N.J., Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

AP

Flashlight and Batteries

If your car breaks down, you don't want to have to depend on your interior lights to see. You will find that a flashlight and batteries will come in handy. When purchasing a flashlight, you need to choose one that has a high amount of wattage.

Jumper Cables

Car batteries can die without much notice. You don't want to be stuck on the side of the road just because you need a jump. It is recommended that you always have jumper cables on hand so that another driver can jump-start your car and get you back on the road.

Multi-Use Tools

Tools can be beneficial for all sorts of things. You can use them to do things like tighten your battery cables or remove a belt. This is why you need to keep them in your emergency supply kit.

Bottled Water

You will find that bottles of water can help you out in a variety of different ways. You can use water to not only drink but to wash things off. It's a good idea to keep a 24 pack of water in your car at all times, just in case you need it.

Emergency preparedness checklist

(Photo/fstop123/Getty Images)

Non-perishable Food Items

If you find yourself in an emergency, you may be stranded in your car for a long time. Because of this, you need to have non-perishable food items with you. Granola bars, crackers, and peanuts can nourish you, and they don't require any preparation or refrigeration.

Flares

If your car breaks down in the middle of the road, you need to make sure that other drivers can see you. Flares can be very beneficial. They are easy to use, and they will alert other motorists that they need to go around your car.

Photo by Hans Braxmeier 

First-aid Kit

Unfortunately, injuries can happen when you are in your car. This is why you need to have the first-aid kit. It should include things like bandages, gauze pads, and antiseptic wipes. All of these things can help you treat your injuries until you can seek medical attention.

Emergency Blanket

During this time of year, it is common for cars to break down due to wicked weather conditions. Even if you check the weather forecast before you leave and still feel comfortable going out, you may find that you always end up in a terrible situation. If the temperature gets very chilly, it will get frigid in a parked car. An emergency blanket can help you stay warm.

In conclusion, you must always have an emergency kit in your car. All of the items mentioned above should be in it. By having the things that you need, you will be prepared throughout the entire ordeal.

Related:

Tips for Keeping Your Car Windshield and Mirrors Ice and Frost Free
How to Winterize Your Car
How to Drive in Snow and Ice
How to Properly Dress for Cold Weather
6 of the Most Scenic Winter Drives in the US
Must-Have Thermal Clothes to Survive This Winter
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